Where should you sell your car? (2025 update)

Selling your car can feel like a daunting task, but choosing the right method can make all the difference. Let’s explore the most popular options, their pros and cons, and how to decide which method works best for your needs.

When deciding where to sell your car, start by asking yourself two questions:
1. How much money do I want to make? 2. How much time and effort can I invest in selling it? Keep those questions in mind as we look at the various options, as they'll help you make the decision that's right for you.

Selling your car privately is the way to get the most money, often 10-15% more than selling to a dealer, according to the Money Advice Service.
Advertising on platforms like Autotrader exposes your car to a vast audience, increasing your chances of finding the right buyer. Pros • Higher price: You’ll likely get the best price for your car. • Control: You set the price and negotiate directly with buyers. Cons • Time-consuming: You’ll need to create an ad, respond to inquiries, and schedule viewings. • Effort required: Handling negotiations and test drives can be demanding.

• Be honest and detailed in your car’s description.
• Have all the right ownership documents ready. • Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally. • Stay present for viewings and test drives to ensure safety. • Use secure payment methods.

Selling to a dealer is ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with buyers. This method works particularly well when you’re part-exchanging for a new car.
Pros • Low effort: You can skip advertising and buyer inquiries. • Quick process: Retailers will handle most of the paperwork. Cons • Lower price: Dealers offer trade value, which is less than a private sale. • Limited negotiation: Part-exchange deals may leave little room for price adjustments.

Get a free car valuation to understand your car’s trade value before visiting multiple dealerships to get the best deal.

Car-buying websites offer speed and simplicity. These platforms are perfect if you’re in a hurry to sell.
Pros • Guaranteed sale: Helps you avoid the uncertainty of private sales. • Quick and easy: Some sites even offer same-day sales. Cons • Price reductions: Online quotes may drop after an inspection. • Fees: Many platforms charge admin fees that reduce your final payout.

Compare offers from multiple sites and read reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as unexpected deductions or hidden fees.

If you want to sell your car in one go without haggling over the price, auctions could be your answer. However, auction houses are often used by dealers looking for bargains, which could result in less money for you.
Pros • Wide audience: Multiple buyers see your car at once. • Quick sale: The process is fast, especially in online auctions. Cons • No guarantee of sale: If the reserve price isn’t met, you may leave unsold. • Fees: Auction houses charge commission and admin fees.

Set a realistic reserve price and research the auction house’s terms beforehand to avoid surprises.